Learn how to ride before you start piling money into suspension or other bikes. I agree with the folks saying keep the SV. See about getting the ergos set up to your liking and keep in mind it's pretty much always going to feel cramped to some degree. Make sure the clipons aren't swept too far inward. That one detail could make all the difference in the world. No matter which bike you're riding, it's going to require time and effort in order to get everything dialed in. Seems like you have a great mindset so you're already ahead of the game in that regard. Best of luck and enjoy!
You haven't specified how the existing ergonomics don't work for you but, like others, I'd encourage you to make adjustments to the location of the pegs, levers, and bars. I'm a bit older than you and still racing, so let me encourage you to improve your physical flexibility and core strength. When I was in my thirties and forties I didn't need an exercise regime to ride effectively. Now I do and it makes a huge difference.
Regarding the availability of race bikes for sale, it's still pretty early. Some people put up their race bike for sale as soon as the season wraps up. Others don't bother until sometime in the winter, when most people are actually shopping for the next season. Keep monitoring classifieds here and wherever else you have been looking.
I would reach out to some SV racers in your area and get some help and advice in person. Who on here races in the Northeast and can help this guy out? It is a great way to make some connections and get set up. They can also get you started on racing rather than wasting your time and money on track days. Stick with the SV.
My 0.02 is this: Keep the SV and mod it and get it set up just for you. Of all the bikes I’ve either owned or had considerable amount of track time on, it was my buddy’s SV650 that made me smile the most and flat out enjoy my sessions the most. Sure, my R1 and R6 were faster, but that SV made me so happy each time I got to ride it. SV FTMFW!
He should definitely try to experience a bike with properly setup suspension. Have a friend that loosened the purse strings to have a lil Ninja 400 done proper... its telepathic.
If I do this again, that’s the plan for me. Although @motion said he will still kick my ass on a stock sprung Ninja 400.
As an SV owner I have to agree with pretty much everything that has been said here. The stock forks and spring on an SV are crap when it comes to track riding, but if you get them stiffened up properly it's a very fun bike to ride. An SV is also considerate enough to offer you plenty of warning when you're overcooking it, vs other bikes I've ridden that unceremoniously dump you on the ground and then laugh while they roll through the gravel trap, flinging plastic and other parts in every direction.
I'm also in the "build your SV" crowd. Very popular and easy to have fun on. You're halfway there now.
Thanks for all the great advice people! I am going to stick with the SV. I agree that it makes sense to get more seat time before making a decision. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!